Holy Rolas

3 yrs

SILENCE WAS BROKEN

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him [Zacharias], standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” (Luke 1:11-14)

Zacharias, one of the priests, performed his regular duties, burning incense in the temple, while the people prayed outside (Luke 1:8-1. They waited and marveled that he took so long. When Zacharias came out of the temple, he could not speak. The people supposed he had seen a vision in the temple. Zacharias gestured to them, but he remained speechless (Luke 1:21-22).

What had Zacharias seen? He had seen an angel; the Angel Gabriel had brought him a message from the Lord. Zacharias’ wife Elizabeth, who was beyond the age of childbearing, would become pregnant. God had heard the prayers of this dedicated priest. The Angel Gabriel told Zacharias to name his son John, and at that very moment, 400 years of silence was broken!

As Elizabeth and Zacharias continued to serve God faithfully––obediently walking in all the Lord’s commandments––God’s plans and purposes were being fulfilled in their lives. Not only were they chosen to become the parents of John, they would hold a special part in the story of the Savior’s birth. John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin, and he would herald, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Did you know that God has a purpose and a plan for each of our lives? As men and women choose to prayerfully walk with God in obedience, His plans will naturally unfold in their lives.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. ~Jeremiah 29:11~

3 yrs

THE CERTAINTY OF THE GOSPEL

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.
(Luke 1:1-4)

Luke was not an Apostle; he was a Greek who wrote the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. He knew Theophilus––a great Roman governor. It is believed that Luke was a physician and the governor’s personal doctor. He took the opportunity to write and share with Theophilus an orderly account of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We know the Bible is not an ordinary book; it is God’s inspired Word. At this particular time in history, the voice of the Lord had not been heard for 400 years. From the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, to the first book of the New Testament, Matthew, there was nothing but silence.

God’s judgment had come upon the nation of Israel. The Word of God had ceased––it had not been heard. God had not spoken to any man. There had not been any visions, any dreams, nor angels sent with a message to His people. Yet incredible prophetic events would unfold as the Angel Gabriel was sent with a message from God that ended the 400 years of silence.

Luke shared the narrative of events. He gave an orderly account of the Gospel. Know the story and share the narrative accurately with others this Christmas.

God is not silent. It is the nature of God to speak. The second person of the Holy Trinity is called “The Word.” ~A.W.Tozer~

3 yrs

THE CHRISTMAS STORY

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Methe One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)

The story of Christ’s birth is still proclaimed through Nativity Scenes displayed in churches, homes and yards. The Nativity used to be commonly portrayed in school plays. Children eagerly volunteered themselves to be Mary, Joseph, a Wiseman or Shepherd. Christmas carols used to be memorized and sung in public schools. The youngest of children knew the song “Away in a Manger” and knew of Christ’s birth.

Unfortunately, over the years, the Christmas Story has been left untold in our public schools. If the story of Jesus’ birth is not passed on by parents, it may be completely forgotten. Then all that is left to celebrate is glitter, trees, lights and presents––where is Christ in Christmas?

When Christ is taken out of Christmas, some family members drink and end up fighting. Children become only excited about opening their presents. They impatiently ask, “When do we get our presents? When does Santa Claus come?” Well, in truth, there is no real Santa Claus, but there is a real Jesus Christ!

When families get together at Christmas time, it is good to read the account of Christ’s birth from the Bible. This will make for a Christ- centered Christmas filled with love and joy. Your children will grow to understand not only the miraculous events of Christ’s birth, but the reason for why God sent His Only Begotten Son––to save them and deliver them from their sins. Jesus Christ is the most precious gift to us!

How did the Christmas Story begin? Well, let me begin to tell you once again that old, old story. Open your Bible and read with me beginning with Luke 1, and may the Lord fill you once again with His joy and peace.

The purpose of the Bible? Salvation. God's highest passion is to get His children home. His book, the Bible, describes His plan of salvation. The purpose of the Bible is to proclaim God's plan and passion to save His children. ~Max Lucado~

3 yrs

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

This year, stores began commercializing Christmas long before Thanksgiving! Yet it seems that this Christmas has had a major hiccup in the area of shipping. Cargo ships have remained idle and unloaded off our Southern California ports. The supply and demand chain for goods has become backlogged. Christmas items may come to a grinding halt this winter.

Along with growing inflation and gas prices, buying gifts for loved ones and friends could bring about major disappointments for children and adults alike. Expectations might not be met. Perhaps this situation will bring to our minds and hearts something of far greater importance than mere material gifts. Christ is the gift of Christmas! He is our salvation. When our focus is on Christ, I believe our lives will come into a perfect peace, knowing Jesus is the reason for the season. This is what matters the most.

What else truly matters? Is it not our families––each other? Think about it. How many people are grieving the loss of a loved one this Christmas? In California alone it has been recorded that 72,590 Covid19 deaths have happened. Take a lingering look at your family members and be thankful for each one of them. Count your blessings for what you do have and do not worry about what you do not have. Maybe there will not be as many gifts under the tree, but we have each other.

Many widows, widowers, orphans, singles and others will experience grief, depression, loneliness, anxiety and hopelessness this Christmas. People need the comfort and hope of the Scriptures. They need to hear the message of the Babe in the manger, Jesus the Savior of the world!

Christ is the humility of God embodied in human nature; the Eternal Love humbling itself, clothing itself in the garb of meekness and gentleness, to win and serve and save us. ~Andrew Murray~

3 yrs

CHRISTIAN HUMILITY

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Most people are selfish, very ambitious, and conceited. It does not matter who they step on as long as they get their way. This is not the way of the Cross. The Christian life is a life of humility. It begins when a person humbles themselves and admits to God that they are a sinner. They express repentance and open their heart to God. They voice their humility, “I need you God; I cannot make it without you.” It is a struggle to live a life of humility, but God can begin to do a great work in and through our lives as we humble ourselves before Him.

The Apostle Paul also shared that Christians should view others as better than themselves. God does not want us to be respecters of persons. We cannot go around thinking that we are better than others. A student may be excluded by his peers because he does not look like them––in high school that is a big problem. But as Christians, we are to treat everyone the same––rich, middle-class or poor.

Christians are also to look out for the interests of others, especially regarding their need for salvation. People need Jesus! Believers are to regard themselves as servants of Jesus Christ. Be aware of the needs of others and give to them according to the blessings that God has given to you.

If you are self-centered, into yourself, you will fail to have anything to give others or share Jesus with unsaved people. Maybe you are a person who is focused on your fitness––maintaining a nice body. What about giving God the glory! He is the One who has given you your health, energy and time to go to the gym. Why not share Jesus with people there?

Are you guilty of thinking that you are better than everybody else? Do you only talk to people in your circle of friendships? Do not be a respecter of persons; with God’s love, treat everyone the same.

Humility is not thinking meanly of oneself, but rather it means not thinking of oneself at all. �~Vance Havner~